Ovum

What is an ovum?

An ovum is the name for an egg cell. They’re the reproductive cells (or gametes) in people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Your ovaries produce ova (the plural name for ovum) and release one ovum at ovulation.

If a sperm cell fertilizes an ovum, it develops into a new cell called a zygote. A zygote eventually becomes a blastocyst before it implants into the uterus and turns into an embryo. An embryo turns into a fetus. If an ovum isn’t fertilized by sperm, it breaks down and gets reabsorbed by your body.

Is an ovum and egg the same thing?

Yes, an ovum is the same as an egg.

What does an ovum do?

An ovum plays an important role in reproduction. Its main job is to be the building block of reproduction (along with sperm). It also helps with fetal development by nourishing a blastocyst so it can develop into an embryo.

Some of the key roles of an ovum are:

• It provides genetic material for a fetus: An egg cell contains half the genetic information (23 chromosomes) needed to create a fetus. This genetic material helps determine things like hair color, eye color and risks of certain diseases. The other half comes from sperm.
• It creates the right environment for sperm: Oogenesis is the cellular process in which an egg becomes mature. It sounds simple, but a mature egg needs to go through several steps to ensure it contains all the right parts. Only certain eggs have the right characteristics to continue in the reproductive process.
• It becomes fertilized by sperm: A healthy ovum can become fertilized by sperm. The genetic material from the sperm and the ovum combine to form a zygote. The tough outer layer of the ovum prevents multiple sperm from fertilizing it.
• It helps with early fetal development: The ovum’s cytoplasm contains essential nutrients that facilitate embryonic growth. These nutrients nourish the blastocyst until it can implant into your uterus. Once implantation occurs, the embryo gets nutrients from your bloodstream and, later, the placenta.

Where is an ovum located?

Your ovaries produce ova. Your ovaries are two small glands on either side of your uterus. They’re responsible for storing and producing ova and releasing hormones that help with menstruation and reproduction. You release one mature ovum each menstrual cycle.

What does an ovum look like?

Your ovum is made up of four layers that each serve a purpose:

• Nucleus: The central core of the ovum containing half of the genetic material for reproduction (23 chromosomes).
• Cytoplasm (cell plasma or yolk): A jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus. It provides nutrients that are necessary for the ovum’s development and early embryonic growth.
• Zona pellucida: A tough, transparent membrane surrounding the ovum. It acts as a protective barrier, allowing only one sperm cell to enter during fertilization.
• Corona radiata: The outermost layer consisting of cells that nourish the ovum and help it interact with its environment.

What are the conditions that affect the ovum?

Several different conditions can affect your eggs and their development, quality and release. The following types of conditions can affect your ova:

• Ovulation disorders.
• Age-related factors.
• Environmental toxins.
• Genetic conditions.
• Other medical conditions.

Ovulatory disorders

Ovulatory disorders are any diseases that impact ovulation. Some of the more common ones are:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal imbalance that can disrupt ovulation and potentially affect egg quality.
• Hypothalamus disorders: Issues with your hypothalamus, a part of your brain responsible for hormone regulation, can disrupt the signals necessary for ovulation.
• Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI): Your ovaries stop working before age 40, resulting in fewer ova and a decline in their quality.

Age-related factors

You’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have. As you age, the quantity and quality of your eggs naturally decline. This can affect how successful fertilization is and increase the chances of the ova having an irregularity with its chromosomes.

Environmental factors

Exposure to toxins in your environment can affect the health of your ova. Some of the main toxins are heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals and air pollution. If you have concerns about your environment and if it could be playing a role in your egg health, contact your healthcare provider.

Genetic conditions

Genetic conditions are health conditions you’re born with that are out of your control. Certain genetic conditions can affect the process of ovulation. Some chromosomal disorders affect the ovum directly, impacting how a fertilized egg develops.

Medical conditions

Certain health conditions like autoimmune diseases or unmanaged chronic diseases can indirectly affect your egg health. For example, when diabetes isn’t well-managed, it can create an unhealthy environment for egg development, which can affect ovulation.

How do I keep my ovum healthy?

Some of the diseases or conditions that affect your ova are beyond your control. But there are things you can do for your overall reproductive health, which can benefit your eggs:

• Avoid smoking and tobacco products: Research consistently shows that smoking has a negative impact on several aspects of your health, including the health of your eggs.
• Maintain a weight that’s healthy for you: Having obesity (a BMI of 30 or greater) or being underweight can disrupt your hormones and affect ovulation. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re wondering what weight is healthy for you.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals: Eating fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains is important for your overall health. Try to limit sugar, unhealthy fats and processed foods.
• Manage your stress levels: Chronic stress can elevate your stress hormones, which may impact ovulation and egg quality. Yoga, meditation and exercise can help manage stress.
• Limit alcoholic beverages: Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect egg health.
• Take a prenatal vitamin: If you’re in your reproductive years, taking a prenatal vitamin can be beneficial to your overall health.
• Get regular physical activity: Getting regular physical activity (like walking, swimming or doing yard work) has tremendous health benefits.